Another IX UQ... or is it?

[rjcress]

Yee haa i won! - what did i win?.... wait a minute, it wasn't a competition.... dang it....

Braggin' rights!
What could be more valuable than that?

[Maleko]

I'm glad to hear it sewed well. Thanks for doing a test. I've also been kicking this idea around for a while and I look forward to your results. Do you think this weaving will work? I’m limited to using 18” strips. Now I just need to find some inexpensive 1.1.

[rjcress]

I'm glad to hear it sewed well. Thanks for doing a test. I've also been kicking this idea around for a while and I look forward to your results. Do you think this weaving will work? I’m limited to using 18” strips. Now I just need to find some inexpensive 1.1.

Interesting.
I've never seen it woven like that. I don't see why it wouldn't work, assuming that it doesn't get air gaps between the weave. No idea if the weave will make it more/less durable, or how thick it is.
Also not sure if perforating it is necessary, but mine was manually perforated so that it isn't necessarily a total vapor barrier.

I got 1.1 rs from BWDD for $3/yd and am very happy with it.
http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/apps/webstore/

[Maleko]

Thanks for the link, rjcress. That's a good price...too bad he doesn't have more colors. Good luck on the test!

[Bomber]

Braggin' rights!
What could be more valuable than that?

Guess your right, but i don't like to brag(but i do), and i'm very material;

And now back to seriousness.....

[rjcress]

My scale arrived today!
I had been warned that when it arrived I would want to weigh EVERYTHING... and I did.
This new 2 layer 1/32" PE UQ with a 1.1rs cover weighed in at a whopping...
Drum roll please...


11.43 oz or 323.7 grams!
Yowza! That's light!
I was expecting it to be heavier.

And I have my bag full of stuff (tarp, hammock, UQ, TQ) to go test in the back yard tonight.
(Fingers crossed)

[Bomber]

Wow... thats light considering the size!
Any chance of a pic when packed?

[rjcress]

Wow... thats light considering the size!
Any chance of a pic when packed?

Sure
After I make a stuff sack for it

[Dave41079]

I'm anxious to see how this works. I install TVs for a locally owned business, and I can basically get my hands on as much of this stuff as I want. Might be good for a single layer 1S UQ project for me.

[rjcress]

Likely for a multitude of reasons, I got cold and bailed at about 3:30am.
Wasn't even below 40*F yet.

Initial thoughts:
-I had an immediate cold spot under by bum that never went away.
-I was already shivering when I got in the hammock and never was able to warm up.
-I was also hungry and a bit dehydrated when I got in the hammock
-UQ suspension was 90% mason line with a short section of shock cord looped over the head end whipping to provide some stretch on both sides of the UQ suspension. FAR from ideal, but I'm out of shock cord and was anxious to try this UQ.

In short. I didn't see the performance I had hoped for, but want to be sure the UQ is suspended and fit properly before I blame the PE insulation.

A few weeks ago with the same clothing and 2 layer IX UQ and my 3 layer 2/3 length IX UQ I was toasty at 40* F, and made it to 36*F before adding the fleece TQ as a liner, which took me to 24*F for several hours. I added a stocking cap to my outfit this time and expected similar performance. However, starting out chilled I was never able to warm up and really get comfortable. Poor planning and execution on my part.

I can also report that when I reached out to pull up on one side of the UQ to adjust the fit, the PE tore at the sewn edge seam. About a 2 inch tear. So, I'm understanding why MacEntyre says he'll only use PE with a cover on both sides. So far, I only have a cover on the bottom side. The top side "grabbed" my hammock when I pulled and caused the tear.

So, not sure when I'll be able to pick up more shock cord to get the suspension dialed in and add the top side cover. I'll report back when I have that sorted out.

I'm still optimistic that the 1/32" PE will outperform the same number of IX layers, but as with IX, we already know that proper fit is critical. I would call my fit last night a bit sloppy. Thats what I get for stumbling into the back yard at 10:30pm in less clothing than I should have been wearing and taking 25 minutes to get everything hung and fiddle with some recent changes I made to the Asym tarp. It was a good lesson to learn in the back yard. I'll be much more careful about not getting chilled before hitting the sack when in the field... and won't try to use a poorly fitting UQ again hoping that it will be OK.